SB 244

Abstract

Creates the Weather Radar Interference Mitigation Act. Provides that, if a National Weather Service Forecast Office issues a winter storm advisory, a winter storm watch, a winter storm warning, a blizzard warning, a severe thunderstorm watch, a severe thunderstorm warning, a tornado watch, or a tornado warning for an area within the State and if a wind turbine operator owns, operates, or manages a wind turbine located within 40 miles of the weather radar station operated by that National Weather Service Forecast Office, then the wind turbine operator shall pause operation of that wind turbine during the inclement weather alert. Provides that, beginning January 1, 2026, no person shall construct a wind turbine within 7 miles of a weather radar station operated by a National Weather Service Forecast Office or a wind turbine with a height that is greater than 60 meters within 10 miles of a weather radar station operated by a National Weather Service Forecast Office. Provides that a wind turbine owner or operator who knowingly violates the Act after receiving a written warning is guilty of a business offense and subject to a fine in excess of $1,000 but not exceeding $5,000. Makes findings. Defines terms. Effective immediately.